5 Tips for Online Fabric Shopping

Fabric sales can be incredibly tempting. I know because I've been there. A great sale pops up, the prices look amazing, and suddenly it's easy to justify buying far more fabric than you actually need.

Over time, though, I've learned that shopping fabric sales strategically helps me build a stash I'll actually sew from instead of creating a collection of fabrics that sit untouched for years.

Recently, I shopped a sale at Style Maker Fabrics, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to share the process I use before clicking "add to cart." These simple habits help me stay intentional, save money, and make sure the fabrics I bring home truly fit my wardrobe and sewing plans. Read on or watch here:

1. Shop Sales at Stores You Trust

Not all fabric sales are created equal.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that a discount isn't actually a bargain if the fabric quality isn't something you'll enjoy sewing or wearing.

I keep a short list of online fabric stores that consistently offer fabrics I love. When those shops announce a sale, I know it's worth taking a look because I trust the quality.

Some of my favorite U.S.-based fabric shops include:

• Style Maker Fabrics
• The University of Sewing (use code TOMKAT for 15% off*)
• The Sewing Studio (use code TOMKAT15 for 15% off*)
• Surge Fabric Shop*
• Stone Mountain & Daughter
• Mood Fabrics*

I also recommend signing up for newsletters from your favorite shops. Subscribers often get early access to sales and flash promotions before inventory starts disappearing.

2. Start With Your Project List

Before shopping a sale, I like to look ahead at what's coming up on my sewing calendar.

That might include:

• Pattern tests
• Sew-alongs
• Upcoming vacations
• Seasonal wardrobe needs
• Special events

Having even a rough idea of future projects helps narrow your focus.

When I recently shopped a Style Maker Fabrics sale, I already knew I had a pattern test coming up. That made it easy to recognize a beautiful See You at Six French terry that would be perfect for the project.

Instead of buying fabric first and finding a use later, I was shopping with a purpose.

3. Pay Attention to What You Sew Most

Sometimes you don't have a specific project planned. That's okay.

When that happens, I ask myself:

What garments do I make over and over again?

For me, knit tops are always a safe bet. They're quick to sew, easy to wear, and frequently fill gaps in my wardrobe.

You might find that your sewing habits point you toward:

• Cotton jersey for t-shirts
• Rayon challis for dresses
• Cotton twill for pants and shorts
• Denim for jeans
• French terry for casual separates

Keeping a mental inventory of your favorite garment categories makes sale shopping much more intentional.

4. Work From a Color Palette

This is probably the tip that has helped me the most.

If you've followed TomKat Stitchery for a while, you know I've had my colors professionally analyzed through Color Guru. My season is Copper Spring, and having that color palette has completely changed the way I shop.

When I'm browsing fabric online, I can quickly eliminate colors that don't work for me and focus on shades I know I'll wear.

Even if you haven't had professional color analysis done, creating a simple personal color palette can be incredibly helpful. It can help you have less overwhelm while shopping, easier wardrobe coordination, better fabric choices, and a more cohesive closet.

If you're interested in finding your best colors, Color Guru offers virtual color analysis, and you can use coupon code TOMKATCOLOR for 10% off*.

5. Be Realistic About What You'll Actually Sew

Sales can make everything feel like a good idea.

But before adding another beautiful print to your cart, it's worth asking:

Will I really sew this?

I try to limit myself to just a few "I absolutely love this" purchases and focus the majority of my shopping on fabrics I know I'll use.

For me, that usually means stocking up on:

• Solid cotton jersey
• Cotton spandex
• Twill
• Denim
• Other versatile basics

These fabrics become wardrobe workhorses and are much easier to pair with existing garments.

That doesn't mean you can't buy something purely because it inspires you. Sometimes a fabric sparks a project idea, and that's part of the fun of sewing.

Intentional Fabric Shopping Creates a Better Stash

Everyone approaches fabric stashing differently.

Some sewists prefer to buy only what they need for a specific project. Others enjoy collecting fabrics and building a larger stash.

I fall somewhere in the middle.

I like having fabrics available when inspiration strikes, but I also want those fabrics to be things I'll genuinely sew and wear.

By focusing on trusted shops, project planning, sewing habits, color palettes, and realistic expectations, fabric sales become a tool for building a useful stash instead of contributing to overconsumption.

And that means more sewing, less regret, and a wardrobe you'll actually love wearing.

*_{Affiliate links included—thank you for supporting my work! No extra cost to you, but I may earn a commission. Offers may change.}